00 16
CIVIL ENGINEERING
CONNECTING RESEARCH TO REAL-WORLD IMPROVEMENTS
Dr. Payal Kotecha, an assistant professor of Civil Engineering, recently secured a $200,000 research grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This funding will support a groundbreaking project focused on inspecting pipe-to-structure connections across several districts in Florida using state-of-the-art zoom camera technology.
“The project aims to provide valuable insights into the in-service performance of these connectors, serving as an initial step in informing decision making regarding the potential statewide deployment of resilient connectors,” explained Kotecha, who is leading the research as the principal investigator. Over the next two years, the project will involve a comprehensive evaluation of both flexible and rigid pipe-to-structure connections at various sites throughout Florida. This initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of these connections. According to Kotecha, during the mid-
2000s, FDOT District 7 implemented a new type of flexible connector for most pipe-to-structure connections. This study will evaluate the performance of these new connectors and explore the possibility of their broader application. The grant will not only fund the research but also support academic growth, covering the support of one graduate student for a year, plus hourly wages for two undergraduate students. Dan Su, an associate professor of Civil Engineering, will join Kotecha as the co- principal investigator, adding his expertise to the project.
Fieldwork for the project is anticipated to begin this spring, with preliminary findings potentially paving the way for significant improvements in stormwater drainage systems and overall efficiency throughout Florida. Florida is hurricane prone, so improvements in drainage systems are vital to the resilience of infrastructure.
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online